Baltimore area private school admissions letters are on the way. What next?

Kids will have lots to celebrate this weekend when the receive their private school admission letters.

RPCS

After months of visiting open houses, shadowing, taking admissions tests, completing applications, and waiting, families applying to Baltimore area private schools will get their answers. On Friday, independent schools will mail their responses.

Some envelopes will be large and some will be small. Some will contain celebratory confetti and some will include an invitation to an accepted student reception the following week. Some kids will be accepted to several schools and some will have little choice.

As parents and students anticipate Saturday's mail, keep in mind the following from private school admissions offices:

School admissions committees, who review each applicant's file, have been busy getting to know the students from their application, interview notes, test scores and reports from their current school; and they take their job seriously with the goal of insuring that their institution is the right fit for your child.

If your child receives offers from more than one school, congratulations, you have choices. If your number one choice among the offers your job is done. Sometimes, however, it's not that easy.

If your child is torn between two schools, contact the admissions offices and ask if he/she can visit again. A second look may make the difference.

If you are torn between two schools, consider things like cost, extra fees, length of your commute between home and school (don’t forget, you may have to make multiple trips in a day.)

If the school has a reception or another event for accepted students, plan to attend to gain a better sense of the students who will be in your child's class.

If your financial circumstances have changed or if you have tuition concerns, contact the admissions office.

If your child is placed on a waiting list or was not admitted to his/her first choice school, remember your positive attitude can help them get over the disappointment. Additionally, you may be surprised to discover they are happier and more successful in a school that is a good fit.

Share this article

Comments

A Baltimore native, Meredith Bower served as Director of Communications at an area private school for 11 years. Her professional knowledge and personal experience, as a parent of four children who attend/attended private schools, offers a unique perspective on the schools and the students who attend them. Contact Meredith with your questions and comments about private school education.